Eclipse keeps schtum on sale rumour

Demon linked to buy-out

Exeter-based ISP, Eclipse, could be about to become the latest operator to be swallowed up by the big boys amid reports that it is looking for a buyer. The Daily Mail claims the ISP is up for sale in a deal could net £10m for its founder, Mark Lang.

Although Eclipse is reportedly currently looking at its options, industry insiders reckon that that an "outright sale" is on the cards. What's more, alternative telco, Thus, which is also behind the Demon Internet ISP, has been linked to the possible acquisition of Eclipse.

Both Eclipse and Demon declined to comment on today's report.

It's been a busy couple of months for UK ISPs. In May, Cable & Wireless bought Bulldog for £18.6m, while in August, Pipex snapped up Nildram £12.9m.

Last month also saw Telstra Europe Limited - a wholly-owned subsidiary of the giant Australian telco - acquiring the UK business of ISP PSINet Europe for £50m. ®